- #1
RubenL
- 8
- 0
Homework Statement
An astronaut standing on a platform on the Moon
drops a hammer. If the hammer falls 6.0 meters vertically in 2.7 seconds, what is its acceleration?
Homework Equations
x=x0+v0t+(1/2)at2
The Attempt at a Solution
x=x0+v0t+(1/2)at2
6=0+.5(a)(2.72)
6=3.7a
a=1.62m/s2
This is a very simple question and easily solvable...however my question is...considering this kinematics equation x=x0+v0t+(1/2)at2.
I can understand how all of the variables play within this equation, but i do not understand where the 1/2 comes from (i understand it has to be this way, however), what is the purpose of halving you answer?
(this is wrong, but) why can't the equation be solved like so;
X=6m
Vi=0m/s
t=2.7s
a=?m/s2
6m / 2.7s = 2.2m/s
2.2m/s / 2.7s = .81m/s2
and leave it like so? (like i said i know this is wrong, but i am just trying to figure out why the 1/2 is in the equation)